Top Sites to See in New Orleans

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New Orleans is a city full of history, culture, and music. From the iconic French Quarter to the quiet solitude of the Garden District, New Orleans has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for fun activities or obscure and quirky sites or want to explore some of the best sites in town, here are our picks for the top sites to see in New Orleans!

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Map of Top Sites in New Orleans

Top Sites to See in New Orleans

Places to See in the French Quarter

No trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to the French Quarter. Not only is it the oldest part of the city, but it’s one of the top sites to see in New Orleans. The history, the beauty, and the lure are all so inviting. Here you will find some of the city’s oldest buildings, including St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, as well as numerous art galleries, restaurants, bars, and boutiques. 

The Historic New Orleans Collection

I love to roam the cobblestone streets and admire the architecture. The Historic New Orleans Collection has numerous restored buildings that you can tour for free, but you can make a donation to help the preservation continue. This is a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

The best way to tour the French Quarter is to take a free walking tour. Well, sort of free. Nola Tour Guy offers tours in the French Quarter, the Cemeteries, and the historic Garden District. Nola Tour Guy does not charge an upfront fee, but you can pay what you think the tour is worth. If you don’t like the tour or leave early, you don’t have to pay anything. Our tour guide, Eric, was great, so we had no issue paying him fairly. Quick tip, if you travel, see their Partners page and learn about free walking tours in countries all over the world.

Jackson Square

Jackson Square is an iconic public square located in the heart of the French Quarter. It is home to a beautiful 18th-century park, historical buildings such as St. Louis Cathedral, numerous galleries, art studios, street performers, and musicians performing jazz music. It is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or just take in some of the city’s culture and history.

Originally called the Plaza D’Aramas by the Spanish during their rule. The Square was later renamed in honor of Andrew Jackson because of the Battle of New Orleans. Of course, the focal point is the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the United States. Not to mention you will find the Presbytere and Cabildo (Louisiana State Museums) here as well.

Jackson Square is also home to the Lower and Upper Pontalba Apartments, the oldest apartment buildings in the United States.

The French Quarter is not only a great spot to catch fun street performers, but there are many local artists here to watch paint and create wonderful art that you can purchase if you like. You can even have your palm or Taro cards read for those of you who believe in that stuff.

Join the Party on Bourbon Street

Well, of course, this is a must if you visit New Orleans. Bourbon Street has been the epicenter of New Orleans nightlife for centuries. This historic street is full of bars, clubs, restaurants, and live music venues that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for some great jazz, a lively bar scene, or just something to do late at night – Bourbon Street has it all!

People-watching is so much fun here and certainly a great source of free entertainment. I highly recommend being part of the party, even if you’re not the partying type!

Enjoy Beignets at Cafe Du Monde

No trip to New Orleans would be complete without indulging in the delectable beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Founded in 1862 in the French Market, this iconic cafe is beloved for its classic French-style doughnuts. Light and airy, these sweet treats are generously dusted with powdered sugar and served piping hot.

Beignets at Cafe Du Monde, paired with a steaming cup of cafe au lait, offer a taste of New Orleans’ rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re a foodie on a quest for the city’s best bites or simply seeking a memorable experience, enjoying them deserves a spot on your list of things to do in New Orleans. Cafe Du Monde is open 24 hours a day.

Enjoy Street Performers on Royal Street

If you’re looking for free entertainment, look no further than Royal Street in the French Quarter. Many of the artists perform jazz, of course, but you will find all types of music on Royal Street. Obviously, you can tip the performers if you enjoy their music, but you are not obligated to do so.

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Weird and Strange Activities in New Orleans

St Louis Cemetery No. 1

Built in 1789, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest in New Orleans. It is also the most visited, with over 100,000 visitors per year. Many visitors come to see the famed VooDoo Priestess Marie Laveau, but others of importance are also buried here. Homer Plessey, a very early seed planter in the civil rights movement, is buried here. Paul Morphy, an early world champion of Chess, and Benjamin Latrobe, an early U.S. architect, are also buried here. Although not dead yet, Nicolas Cage already has his future tomb purchased in the cemetery.

Important note, you must be with a licensed tour guide to enter the cemetery. The Catholic Church had to enforce this new rule due to widespread vandalism over the years. Nola Tour Guy and Free Tours by Foot are approved tour companies that offer tours in the cemetery. You can find a complete list of approved tour guides here. The tour guides at the entrance to the cemetery charge $20 per person.

Explore Marie Laveau’s House of VooDoo

You know you’ll be on Bourbon Street anyway, so take some time to visit this cool little place. Considering Marie Laveau is one of the most famous people in New Orleans history, it is one of the sites you should see on your trip. You will find cool and unique souvenirs here.

For the whole experience, you can also have a divination or psychic reading during your visit. Be advised that you should not take photos or videos while visiting. To visit is completely free.

Experience a Haunted Tour

Of course, if you’re visiting the most haunted city in America, you must experience a haunted tour. Tour companies like Ghost City Tours and Free Tours by Foot offer many haunted tours. Whether you believe in the Supernatural or not, it’s still a cool thing to do in New Orleans. Furthermore, it’s an excellent way to learn more about the history of New Orleans.

Visit the Museum of Death if you Dare

If you’re looking for something different in New Orleans, this is the place for you. It’s creepy, weird, and fascinating all at the same time. You can view crime scenes, morgue photos, antique mortician apparatuses, and coffins. Not to mention artwork, letters, and more created by serial killers. It’s located at 227 Dauphine St. and costs $15.

A Few More Options for You

Visit the National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum shares the American experience in the war and how it changed the world. Through exhibits, multimedia experiences, and personal accounts, you will experience their journey. You will also learn why the war was fought, how it was won, and why it is important to us today. Tickets to the Museum can be purchased online in advance or at the Museum. Adult tickets begin at $28.50, with reduced rates for 65+, Military, College students, and children.

Find the Singing Oak in City Park

Another great thing to do in New Orleans is to visit City Park. City Park is a beautiful and free way to spend your time. You can take the Canal Streetcar all the way to the end, and you will end up in City Park. City Park is fifty percent larger than Central Park in New York City and has something for everyone: families, outdoor enthusiasts, golfers, nature lovers, and walkers like myself.

A special treat is to find the Singing Oak located near Big Lake. The large oak tree is home to wind chimes that ring a pentatonic (five notes per octave) scale.  Jim Hart designed this musical art exhibit. Indeed, there’s no better place than the birthplace of Jazz to find such a magical, musical tree.

This City Park Map will help you plan your activities for the day. It also includes directions for accessing the park if you decide to drive.

Take A Ride on a Streetcar

Step back in time and take your favorite transportation from a different era. New Orleans Streetcars are a fun and inexpensive way to not only visit historical parts of the city but experience the history as well. The fare is $1.25 one way on each of the four lines. You can access the French Quarter, Central Business District, the Riverfront, Cemeteries, and City Park.

Steamboat Natchez River Cruise

Enjoy a slow and graceful time aboard the Steamboat Natchez. Spend the afternoon cruising along the Mississippi and relaxing to the sounds of live Jazz music. Additionally, you can add lunch or dinner to your ticket for the opportunity to savor traditional New Orleans cuisine.

The cruise itself costs $38 for adults and $15.50 for children 6-12. The cruise with a meal included starts at $50 for adults and $24 for children. You can find out about the cruise options as well as pricing and times here.

Frequently Asked Questions about New Orleans:

1. What is the #1 attraction in New Orleans?

The French Quarter, with its vibrant atmosphere, historic buildings, and lively jazz music scene, is often considered the #1 attraction in New Orleans. It’s a must-see for any visitor to the city.

2. What is the most famous part of New Orleans?

Bourbon Street, located in the heart of the French Quarter, is arguably the most famous part of New Orleans. Known for its energetic nightlife and lively bars, it’s a hotspot for locals and tourists alike.

3. When is the best time to visit New Orleans?

While New Orleans is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is from February to May when the weather is comfortably cool, and the celebrations are in full swing with Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest.

4. Is New Orleans safe at night?

Like any major city, staying aware of your surroundings in New Orleans is crucial, especially at night. Most tourist areas like the French Quarter and the Central Business District are generally safe, but it’s always best to stick to well-lit, populated areas.

5. What are some unique, weird attractions in New Orleans?

New Orleans embraces the weird and wonderful. Some unique attractions include the eerie St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, Marie Laveau’s House of VooDoo, and the Museum of Death.

6. What other fun things are there to do in New Orleans?

From riverboat cruises on the Mississippi and culinary tours to exploring the vibrant art scene and catching a live jazz performance, there’s no shortage of top sites to see in New Orleans. Activities abound in New Orleans! Consider going on a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi, taking a culinary tour, exploring the vibrant art scene, or catching a live jazz performance.

What are the best places to stay in New Orleans? 

When it comes to accommodations, New Orleans offers a variety of options to cater to every kind of traveler. If you want to be at the heart of the action, hotels, and guest houses in the French Quarter, keep you close to iconic sites like Bourbon Street and Jackson Square.

Luxury seekers might opt for the Ritz-Carlton or the Roosevelt, which offer opulent rooms and top-notch service. For a more unique experience, consider staying in a converted historic home in the Garden District. Here, you can soak up the city’s Southern charm amidst picturesque streets with antebellum mansions and ancient oak trees.

Budget travelers, don’t fret. Hostels like the India House Backpackers are a great way to save money while meeting fellow travelers. New Orleans is a city that celebrates diversity, and the range of accommodations available truly reflects this. Whatever your preferences or budget, you’ll find a place to stay that makes your New Orleans adventure unforgettable.

Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, New Orleans is a treasure trove of unique experiences and vibrant sights for travelers seeking fun and adventure. From the lively rhythms of Bourbon Street and the rich history of the French Quarter to the intriguing mysteries of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and the Museum of Death, there’s something to capture everyone’s imagination. Don’t forget the culinary feats awaiting at Cafe Du Monde and the unforgettable performances in the city’s thriving arts scene. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or an art lover, the top sites to see in New Orleans promise an array of unforgettable memories. So pack your bags and get ready to step into the heart and soul of Louisiana in the lively city of New Orleans.

So, are you ready to book your trip to New Orleans? Did you enjoy learning about these top sites to see in New Orleans? Well, I hope my photos ignited your senses and made you want to visit.

You may also like New Orleans Photography to Inspire A Visit.

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